In partnership with

Josh Allen: A One-Man Show

Josh Allen’s Electrifying Run: Fueling Buffalo’s Playoff Push

Josh Allen is on fire. Over the past two weeks, the Buffalo Bills quarterback has been putting on a clinic, solidifying his place as one of the NFL’s elite players while keeping his team’s playoff hopes alive. Back-to-back five-touchdown performances have not only made NFL history but have also showcased Allen’s ability to carry the Bills in critical moments.

Historic Performances

In Week 13, Allen torched the Los Angeles Rams in a thrilling victory, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for three more. Just days later, he followed up with an even more spectacular display against the Detroit Lions, where he accounted for four more touchdowns—two through the air and two more on the ground—leading the Bills to a high-scoring 48-42 win over the NFC powerhouse. These two games have put Allen in rarefied air, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to record consecutive games with four total touchdowns in multiple seasons.

Against Detroit, Allen’s dual-threat ability was on full display. He dissected the Lions' defense with pinpoint accuracy, completing 76% of his passes for 384 yards. His rushing touchdown—a bruising 15-yard scramble where he bulldozed through defenders—was a reminder of his physicality and determination. The performance capped off a week that showcased Allen as not just a quarterback but an unstoppable force.

Carrying the Team

This stretch of games comes at a critical juncture for Buffalo. With injuries piling up, particularly on the defensive side, Allen has shouldered even more responsibility. The Bills’ offense revolves around his ability to improvise, stretch plays, and deliver big moments when it matters most. Stefon Diggs has been a primary beneficiary, catching three touchdowns over the last two games, but Allen has also found ways to involve secondary weapons like Dalton Kincaid and Gabe Davis, making Buffalo’s attack unpredictable.

MVP Conversation Resurfaces

Allen’s red-hot form has reignited his MVP candidacy. Though he faced criticism earlier in the season for turnovers and inconsistent play, his recent performances have silenced doubters. With 42 total touchdowns on the season and counting, Allen is leading the league in combined passing and rushing scores. The Bills now sit firmly in the AFC playoff picture, and their quarterback is a big reason why.

A Knockout Night of Sleep, Powered by Plants

• THC & CBD to relax and fall asleep

• CBN to keep you asleep through the night

• Save 25% with code SLP25

Try Risk-Free

What’s Next?

As the Bills gear up for a challenging end-of-season schedule, Allen’s play will remain the X-factor. If he can sustain this level of brilliance, Buffalo could not only punch their ticket to the postseason but also become a dark horse in the Super Bowl race. For now, Allen’s performances are a weekly highlight reel, proving that when he’s at his best, there’s no one quite like him in the NFL.

2 Cards Charging 0% Interest Until 2026

Paying down your credit card balance can be tough with the majority of your payment going to interest. Avoid interest charges for up to 18 months with these cards.

Learn More

Next Week’s Preview

The upcoming weekend features three highly anticipated matchups in the College Football Playoff's first round:

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Tennessee Volunteers

• Date and Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET

• Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

• Broadcast: ESPN/ABC

Preview:

This first-round playoff game marks a significant encounter between two storied programs. Ohio State, seeded eighth, boasts a potent offense led by quarterback Will Howard, who has demonstrated efficiency throughout the season. The Buckeyes' receiving corps, featuring standout Emeka Egbuka, presents a formidable challenge for any defense. Defensively, safety Caleb Downs anchors a unit known for its physicality and playmaking abilities.

Ninth-seeded Tennessee enters the playoff with a balanced attack. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has been effective, completing 65.7% of his passes for 2,502 yards and a 19-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The Volunteers' defense is notable for its pass rush and coverage skills, with cornerback Jordan McCoy leading the secondary.

Key Factors:

• Home-Field Advantage: Playing at Ohio Stadium provides the Buckeyes with a significant edge, given their strong home record and fan support.

• Quarterback Play: The performance of Howard and Iamaleava will be crucial in determining the game's outcome.

• Defensive Matchups: Both teams possess robust defenses capable of game-changing plays, making turnovers and defensive stops pivotal.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Indiana Hoosiers

• Date and Time: Friday, December 20, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET

• Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana

• Broadcast: ABC/ESPN

Preview:

This in-state rivalry adds an extra layer of excitement to the playoff's first round. Seventh-seeded Notre Dame, with an 11-1 record, features a balanced offense spearheaded by quarterback Riley Leonard and a dynamic rushing attack led by Jermiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Tight end Mitchell Evans is a key target in critical situations. Defensively, the Fighting Irish excel in both pass defense and blitz packages, aiming to disrupt Indiana's offensive rhythm.

Tenth-seeded Indiana also holds an 11-1 record, showcasing a high-scoring offense and a resilient defense. The Hoosiers' ability to adapt and execute in high-pressure situations has been evident throughout the season.

Key Factors:

• Rushing Attack: Notre Dame's ground game will be essential in controlling the clock and field position.

• Defensive Pressure: The Fighting Irish's blitz schemes aim to challenge Indiana's offensive line and quarterback decision-making.

• Special Teams: Minimizing mistakes in the kicking game could be decisive, especially in potentially adverse weather conditions.

Clemson Tigers vs. Texas Longhorns

• Date and Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. ET

• Location: Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

• Broadcast: ESPN

Preview:

This matchup features two powerhouse programs with rich histories. Clemson, known for its defensive prowess and disciplined play, faces a Texas team that has demonstrated explosive offensive capabilities throughout the season. The Tigers' defense will be tested against the Longhorns' dynamic playmakers.

Key Factors:

• Defensive Resilience: Clemson's ability to contain Texas's offense will be crucial.

• Home Advantage: Playing in Austin provides the Longhorns with a supportive environment.

• Turnover Battle: Winning the turnover margin could be the determining factor in this closely contested game.

These matchups set the stage for an exciting weekend of college football, with each game offering unique storylines and implications for the pursuit of the national championship.